Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the
implementation of a standardized highway signage program to
direct visitors to unique, tourist-oriented businesses in
rural and other areas in West Virginia.

Whereas, Economic impact from direct travel spending in West
Virginia totaled $4.38 billion in 2008; and

Whereas, In 2008, travel spending directly supported 44,000
jobs in West Virginia; and

Whereas, Millions of travel-related dollars are generated
annually in every West Virginia county (from $1.3 million to $729.3
million); and

Whereas, West Virginia’s landscape, culture and history present
a tourism development opportunity in every county; and

Whereas, West Virginia tourism generated 14 million overnight
visitors and 40 million day-trip visitors in 2008; and

Whereas, West Virginia is situated within a day’s drive of a
large proportion of the United States population; and

Whereas, The tourism industry serves as West Virginia’s
front-line representatives to the traveling public; and

Whereas, Outdoor recreation pursuits in West Virginia far
outpace the national average; and

Whereas, Cultural and heritage tourism pursuits outpace the
national average; and

Whereas, Tourism attractions and activities positively
contribute to the quality of life for West Virginians; and

Whereas, Tourism attractions and activities therefore attract
businesses to West Virginia; and

Whereas, Unique, tourist-oriented businesses located in rural
and other areas of West Virginia provide cultural, historical,
recreational, agricultural, educational, entertainment or
commercial activities, services and products to the general public;
and

Whereas, Many of these rural, unique, tourist-oriented
businesses derive a majority of their income from highway users
residing outside the immediate area of the business; and

Whereas, Visitors to West Virginia would benefit from a
standardized highway signage program specifically designed for
tourism to direct visitors to rural, unique, tourist-oriented
businesses and those businesses would benefit the same; and

Whereas, Because the continuing growth and development of West
Virginia’s rural tourism economy is of major concern to all our
citizens, it is in the best interest of the State of West Virginia
to implement a plan to develop a standardized highway signage
program to direct visitors to rural, unique, tourist-oriented
businesses; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the implementation of a standardized highway
signage program to direct visitors to unique, tourist-oriented
businesses in rural and other areas in West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2013, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.